The TDSB’s homework policy (Policy P.036) states that:
The amount of time a student spends on assigned homework depends on such factors as: the student’s needs, learning ability, subject, school schedule, proximity to tests, examinations and assigned homework due dates. Time spent on homework should be balanced with the importance of personal and family wellness and the wide array of family obligations experienced in our society today.
When you stop in for a visit, you'll see all of the work on our walls and within our classroom, your child is working very hard while they are here at school. As such, you may notice that there is not a significant amount of homework being sent home daily. Often, students may have a short assignment that is an extension of the work done in class but for the most part, the main homework assigned is reading in both French and English. This can be a rich activity if you are asking your child questions about what they are reading. Communicating about themes or ideas from a book can offer great discussion and learning at home. Even if you are not fluent in French, asking your child to explain what they are reading and what strategies they used to understand, can give them a great opportunity to think about their reading.
Alternative Homework Ideas
If you are interested in activities to utilize at home when additional work is not provided for the evening, I suggest spending some time on the following:
Draw a map to your friend's house. Include measurements and different ways to get there.
"Invent" something using the various items in your recycle bin.
Take something apart to see how it works - Reassemble it if possible or create something new with the parts.
Look for geometric shapes in the yard, the store, or at home. Cut them out. Measure them.
Listen to different genres of music and discuss the differences.
Click here for more alternative homework ideas.
Online Activities
Have a look at our Coding Activities page. Problem Solving through coding can be a fun way to learn with your child.
The Virtual Library has a variety of tools that students can use for research, reading and technology.
French Activities
Digital Dialects - Activities and vocabulary builders
Il était une histoire - Stories
Languages Online - Activities and vocabulary builders
MiniMag - Magazines
Radio Canada Jeunesse - Series, videos, activities and games
TFO Français - Series and videos
Please keep in mind the importance of the balance mentioned in our homework policy. It is recommended that students in the junior grades should spend no longer than 10 minutes per grade on homework each evening, and this includes their 20 minutes of reading. Here is a list of great questions you may wish to ask your child after they've read independently or if you have had the opportunity to read with them in the evening.
If you have any further questions regarding the progress of your child and how you can support them at home, please feel free to contact me.